Journey to the West: Treasure Vase of the Great Dao

Lu Yu looked at the Monkey brimming with a fighting spirit and was utterly speechless; that was not at all what he had intended. Where did the Monkey get this fighting spirit? But perhaps this was the difference between him and the Monkey, the one called the Victorious Fighting Buddha—truly a different breed.

The two of them chatted on and off until sunset and moonrise, under the twinkling stars. Lu Yu looked up at the sky and noticed the Mountain God Earth God, who was guarding the Monkey, looking anxiously at him and the Monkey.

It was then that Lu Yu realized he had overstayed this time. These nominal guardians dared not intervene yet feared being accused of neglecting their duties, which is why they looked over anxiously.

He smiled and bowed to the sky, then turned to the Monkey and said, "Looks like I should go now, otherwise these few probably can't take it."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Who cares about them? If they annoy me, I'm not pleased, just a few shakes from the Five Elements Mountain will settle them down," the Monkey muttered. "After all, I have responsibilities to bear, why get into petty quarrels with them? Besides, I've just gotten familiar with this place to make my visits to you easier in the future.

If they change guards, I'd have to start all over again," Lu Yu said with a smile.

During Lu Yu's visit with the Monkey, a significant event was also unfolding in Great Chu—the life of Prime Minister Hu Shengliang, who had followed Lu Zhang for many years, was drawing to a close.

Hu Shengliang was indeed a legendary figure. Having achieved nothing by the time he was approaching sixty, he had spent his days among the displaced, wandering and homeless, until he met Lu Zhang. The two complemented each other and consequently achieved great deeds.

It can be said that their story spread throughout Great Chu, becoming a moral support for many who were disheartened, as people often said: "Do not fret at sixty, for did you not see Hu Shengliang meet a wise leader at sixty, his fame known throughout the land?"

In Fengjing City, the Hu Family was already mourning, everyone knowing that the pillar of their household was about to fall. The younger members of the Hu Family all bore grave expressions as, for them, Hu Shengliang was the guarantee of their prosperity and status.

Suddenly, news came from the doorway, announcing that the current Emperor had arrived with the Empress and the Crown Prince to visit.

Lu Zhang entered the courtyard, and even before reaching the room, he was met by a strong smell of medicine. Drawing back the door curtain, the aged face of Hu Shengliang was faintly visible behind the room's screen.

Taking quick steps, he came to the bedside. By then, Hu Shengliang was emaciated, his face gaunt, and his aged hands no longer showing any traces of flesh. However, his eyes remained as bright as when the two had first met.

"Lao Hu!" Lu Zhang called out, his voice trembling. This was his first experience with death since ascending the throne. Although he knew this day would inevitably come, he was still unable to control his emotions—a rare sight for a mature Emperor.

"Your Majesty, why have you come!" Hu Shengliang was thrilled to see Lu Zhang, struggling to get up from his bed, but his weakened body could no longer support his intent.

Lu Zhang quickly pressed him back to the bed, saying, "You are a patient, do you still need to rise for formalities? We have known each other for so long, don't you know me? Just lie down and rest."

Perhaps it was the strain of trying to get up, or perhaps Lu Zhang's words had an effect, but a blush appeared on Hu Shengliang's pale face as he said with a smile, "This must be a unique privilege in Great Chu."

"Lao Hu, get well soon. I still need your help with things here," Lu Zhang said, somewhat excitedly. He knew in his heart that his words were merely comforting; Hu Shengliang's condition was clearly terminal.

"As an old servant, I am well aware of my own condition. I'm afraid my time has come. Your Majesty need not feel sad. While others may not know, Mr. Lu must have told Your Majesty about the affairs of the Nether Dragon Court." At this moment, Hu Shengliang seemed to regain some vitality; his face unusually flushed and his spirit revived.

"My mother was originally a Fox Spirit from Qingqiu but inadvertently moved by mortal affections, she married my father. Unfortunately, fate is unpredictable, and they both perished in a calamity. In my childhood, I was taken in by my mother's clan in Qingqiu. However, lacking the talent for cultivation and because of my origins, I suffered much bullying there."

"I studied day and night, hoping to prove myself through scholarship. Yet, years of arduous study brought no great accomplishments. Back then, filled with youthful vigor, I secretly fled Qingqiu and came to the mortal realm, intending to lead a simple life. Unexpectedly, the world fell into chaos, and I had to lead my family through a life of displacement and suffering."

"It was not until I met Your Majesty, who, despite my age and frailty, entrusted me with major government affairs. I was moved to tears of gratitude and vowed to serve Your Majesty unto death. However, as a true Son of Heaven, Your Majesty achieved great feats in a remarkably short time, and I also gained fame by association.

Now that my descendants are well cared for and I have fulfilled my ambitions, I consider myself fortunate. Therefore, Your Majesty need not grieve."

"Let this old servant go ahead to the Nether Dragon Court and sweep the halls, waiting for Your Majesty's return."

Hu Shengliang's heartfelt words deeply moved Lu Zhang, and his sadness was much diminished. After all, as Hu Shengliang said, death was but a step ahead, and they could meet again in the Nether Dragon Court in the future.

"I hope Your Majesty will take care of your dragon body and usher in a golden age. I, Lao Hu, will also celebrate for Your Majesty from within the Dragon Court," Hu Shengliang suddenly said loudly, his face flushed and his eyes shining brightly.

However, this surge of energy was but a fleeting resurgence. After saying these words, Hu Shengliang's hand suddenly lost its strength, his breathing weakened, and the light in his eyes gradually faded, his breath slowly ceasing. Hu Shengliang, a renowned minister of Great Chu, thus departed from this world. Enjoy new chapters from empire

The funeral of Hu Shengliang was extremely solemn, with the Crown Prince supporting the coffin, and he was bestowed posthumous honors in the great temple. The long funeral procession filled the streets, and the people of Fengjing City each had their thoughts as they watched the procession move away.

"This Lord Hu was truly a legendary figure. Starting his career late, he met a wise leader and rose rapidly, reaching the pinnacle among the officials. It shows how unpredictable life can be; we should not dwell on temporary gains or losses," someone remarked reflectively.

"With the Crown Prince supporting his coffin and being honored in the great temple, a civil servant could not ask for more," observed a group of young scholars enviously, hoping to one day be as eminent as him.

"Lord Hu was a truly good official. Our Fengjing City was able to recover its prosperity so quickly thanks to his meticulous administration. Alas, we had hoped he would live to a ripe old age; who knew he would leave us so abruptly," expressed the common folk.

As people discussed, a scholar in a green robe stared blankly at the departing procession, lost in thought.